Ron and Debbie Hartz, married in 1979, have had their 38 foot long RV at Larson's Landing on the shores of the Missouri River for six years - the RV stays put all year.
I asked Ron where he calls home. “Well, that’s questionable,” he says with a grin. Ron farms, has a traditional home in northeast Nebraska, a second in Dakota Dunes, and this 530 square foot RV.
Most weekdays are spent on the farm, but Ron and Debbie rarely spend more than a few days in a row in any one space. For this home, Ron made comfort a top priority, “This place gives me a warm feeling when I walk in.”
Inside, the main living area is open concept; a modern kitchen with full sized stainless appliances, breakfast bar, and dining table opens into the living room space. The living room area is warm and inviting. Two recliners face a fireplace and entertainment center, a loveseat sits opposite the breakfast bar. The Hartz take advantage of all the built-in storage space, as well as adding decorative storage, such as storage ottomans for a coffee table.
The bedroom is big enough for a king size bed, ample closet space and flat screen TV. The bathroom has a full-size shower and modern finishes.
Living recreationally isn’t just about what’s in the RV. “The scenery is beautiful. I just love it here.
My favorite time of day is in the mornings. I like to sit out here and have my coffee.” An eight sided gazebo sits facing the river. Within the shelter of the gazebo are comfortable chairs, foot stools, flat screen TV, a bar and… an air conditioner. Called a Swamp Cooler, Ron says the unit can make all the difference when it gets hot. A custom bar and Adirondack chairs were made from the very same cedar trees most Nebraska farmers cuss at.
While it may be questionable where “home” is, it’s clear that this space along the banks of the Mighty Mo is a favorite.
“After spending three or four days here, you don’t want to go to another home.”
Rich and Lanette Hinckley bought their first camper 12 years ago. “It was such a little thing!” Lanette tells. Their latest model, a 35 foot Keystone Challenger, is 14 feet wide and weighs 11,000 pounds.
When not in the RV, Rich and Lanette have a traditional home in Yankton. Beautifully appointed inside and out, their stick built home has been featured with Yankton’s annual Tour of Gardens and Tour of Homes.
Despite the fact that the RV is only a fraction of the size of the their home – 490 square feet compared to 3,200 - decorating the RV was just as important to them as decorating the home.
And, as you can see from the pictures, living in an RV means having the comforts of a luxurious home, just on a reduced scale.
The inside is similar to the decorating style found at their home in Yankton, with warm colors, soft lighting and decorative accents. Lanette is resourceful in finding ways to add décor that works in a moving home. Wall art is attached with Velcro, or double sided tape to keep things in place.
The large kitchen island gives Lanette plenty of room to cook for the grandkids when they visit. Modern appliances in a black finish, beautiful countertops, double sink and warm oak cabinetry make this kitchen the envy of any home!
Both the bathroom and kitchen have oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, and are much more spacious than you would expect.
The main living area includes dining table and chairs, recliners, sofa and a desk area. The bedroom has a king size bed and plenty of storage room.
Outside, you’ll find charming signage and lighting that can be easily put up, taken down and stored.
This year the Hinckleys have lived in their RV 21 days in May, 28 days in June, and will be full-time RVers for July and August, and part of September. “Our road is being torn-up,” Rich explains.
“We didn’t want to be stuck with our camper in the drive – we’d rather be stuck out here!”
So far Rich and Lanette have kept their RV in southeast South Dakota. They tend to frequent Yankton, Platte, Tea, Salem and Sioux City areas. Lanette would love to take the RV out to the Black Hills but Rich doesn’t seem so keen on the idea - especially since they recently suffered a tire blow-out at 60 miles an hour.
As Rich turns his head to show me where they spotted deer the night before, Lanette silently mouths, “We’ll be taking it to the hills!”
To view photos on Spotted, please click here!
RV is short for Recreational Vehicle, essentially a home away from home - on wheels.
Prices can range anywhere from $8,000 to $95,000 for a conventional travel trailer. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) reports that today’s typical owner is 48 and married with an annual household income of $62,000. More than 11% of U.S. households headed by people age 35 to 54 own one, exceeding the 9.3% ownership rates of those 55 and over, according to a 2011 study by the University of Michigan.
